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Forsythe set to see time in outfield, infield

PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Padres will hold their first full-squad workout Saturday, which means plenty of action for position players, none more so than Logan Forsythe.

The Padres asked Forsythe, an infielder by trade, to take fly balls in the outfield to help increase his versatility and possibly give him a chance to get in the lineup more.

Forsythe has been taking fly balls at Petco Park since January and working with first-base coach Dave Roberts, who works with outfielders. He reported to Spring Training early to continue that work and he's been shagging fly balls in the outfield when catchers hit.

That said, Forsythe -- who can play second base, shortstop and third base -- will get most of his reps with the infielders, taking ground balls and working on defensive alignments from all three positions, as well.

"We talked about it a little bit. [Manager Bud Black] pulled me aside in San Diego and told me I'll always break with the infielders," Forsythe said. "It takes a little time to get used to tracking the ball off the bat in batting practice. I think it will take a few reps to get comfortable."

Black, who made it a point this week to say Forsythe shouldn't be labeled an utilityman, thinks there's a real upside to having Forsythe get work in the outfield.